NCJ Number
131644
Date Published
1988
Length
45 pages
Annotation
Arising out of the tragic murder of a worker at a private halfway house in Ottawa, weaknesses in the Canadian sentencing system were studied and recommendations made.
Abstract
The recommendations are divided into three categories: information; case planning and release decisionmaking; and programs. In the information category, improvements are sought in receiving information from outside the ministry, communicating information within the ministry, and sharing information with outside agencies. There is a need for better integration of the various processes of case management and release decisionmaking. Specifically, there are improvements needed in risk- and needs-assessment processes and tools, increasing interdepartmental continuity, and distinguishing between violent/serious cases and others. All necessary information will be collected to permit an analysis of the case needs and application of the criterion regarding participation in programs. This will yield information from which a needs analysis and an assessment of the program shortfall, if any, can be developed. Training of Board members and staff is an ongoing need which has perhaps been made more acute by recent developments in case management and parole decisionmaking.